At the start of 2025, acute respiratory infections (ARI) are on the rise, affecting all age groups.
- The flu is experiencing strong growth in France, with all metropolitan regions now in the epidemic phase and hospitalizations on the rise, particularly among the elderly.
- Bronchiolitis, although in overall decline, remains present in several regions, while Covid-19 remains stable at low levels.
- Public Health France recommends vaccination and barrier gestures to limit the impact of these respiratory infections which are on the rise.
The flu is raging at the start of 2025, with a spectacular increase in cases across France. But she is not alone: bronchiolitis and Covid-19 follow very distinct trajectories. The latest data from Public Health France, published this January 2provide us with a detailed overview of this wave of winter respiratory infections.
The flu: a growing epidemic
The flu is now present everywhere in mainland France, with Martinique also in the midst of an epidemic. The situation is in the pre-epidemic phase in Guadeloupe and Guyana. The A (H1N1)pdm09 virus is the most dominant, although lower circulation of the B/Victoria virus is also observed. Flu-related hospitalizations are rising sharply, particularly among the elderly, and deaths attributed to the flu have doubled in one week, from 1.9% to 3.8% of death certificates.
Bronchiolitis in decline, Covid-19 stable
Bronchiolitis, after peaking at the end of December, is starting to decline. The epidemic, however, remains active in several regions, notably overseas, Mayotte and Guyana. In Île-de-France, the situation seems to be improving, with a gradual exit from the epidemic phase.
As for Covid-19, activity remains moderate and stable. Consultations and hospitalizations linked to this virus remain low, and the situation is relatively calm compared to the flu. However, vigilance remains required in the face of possible developments of the virus.
